Great dive bar, juke Box is awesome! Beer selection is good, convenient location, close to everything

Loved this place! My friend and I were visiting for the night and it was a perfect little dive spot. Everyone was super friendly!

An evening I'll never forget. Because of the good people met, because it escalated the very moment we stepped through the door and because of the next day's hangover. We totally go what we expected! read more

#1 safe dive bar in Anchorage with friendly folks enjoying fine cocktails made expertly by well trained bartenders. The popcorn and the laughter flows like water and I've never felt scared or threatened. Drop on in read more

This is a great little dive bar. The waitress was so good she directed us to the back with a big table for our party of 5. It was quieter back there as well. It is a small place but, seems very popular. Our waitress was great! She brought us a huge bowl of popcorn and our drinks very quickly. Lots of fun!!! read more

Popcorn, booze, feisty bartenders... sold! I love Darwin's. Since my first stop in Anchorage I've made it a point to stop in for a cocktail. Always a great local crowd and a great place to talk to random strangers. Throw some money in the jukebox, grab a bowl of popcorn and let the good times roll. read more

A coworker and I stumbled across this place late one cold night, after the restaurant we'd been drinking at closed. Since I was, of course, freezing, we went to the first place we found - Darwin's Theory. Once inside, we realized that this, if anything, is where the locals go for a dive bar experience. The place seemed small; we never got past the bar (which hits you as you walk in) so I'm not sure if there's a back room or more seating somewhere. The bartender was nice enough, but I got the feeling that she didn't care for us much. We met the strangest drunk people there, it's almost worth going just to people watch. My coworker said one of the numerous drunk man must be a porn director, based on his looks. A few minutes later, he stumbles over to us and asks if we'd like to be in a movie of his. BINGO! ... And no, we didn't make a movie with him. The bar was fun, the people were fun, and the place was warm, so a big thumbs up from me! read more

Exactly what I wanted when searching for a dive bar! Laid back, friendly, attentive staff. Everyone inside seemed to be local and knew one another - even the guy who delivered pizzas to two of the patrons showed up for a drink after his shift. Tvs to catch games on, free popcorn, reasonable beer prices and variety. Small place but very comfortable. Decor and atmosphere was like having a beer with tor buddies in your parents basement on holidays. Definitely my new go-to when I'm in town. read more

One of my favorite bars in all of Anchorage and there are several watering holes in this great city! I've had many a good time here in these confines. Spent several hours that felt like several minutes here, and of course the long summer days along with mass alcohol consumption don't help with the vanishing of time. The time lost here, is gained through good memories, from what I can remember. If that makes any sense. Darwin would probably understand. read more

Love Darwins!!! Best drinks, one of the most ,bang for your buck, places in town! Sunday, day is the best time to go.

ahem, of course i had to stop by here for a few drinks during my time in anchorage: "sitting in darwins theory and you're down in the 48 i'm practicing politics you're practicing guitar and staying out late..." (it's an indigo girls lyric for those not in the know. and they actually had this song on their jukebox) despite the old school divey feel, i didn't feel at all uncomfortable as a girl alone in a bar in a strange city. big props to darwin's theory for that. it's odd to not feel uncomfortable by myself a a bar. in fact, most of the other patrons were friendly, but not TOO friendly. awww darwin's theory.... i have the tee shirt and ashtray to remember my visit here. read more

I would like the Darwin's staff to know my heartfelt appreciation for their establishment, there is nowhere in Anchorage I'd rather belly-up. read more

Nice staff, locals & a few visitors. All beer in bottles but great selection. Staff tries to get to know you by name. Great place to tip a few! read more

You just gotta go there! Bought 2 shirts...who can pass up the shirt saying "A smart monkey never messes with another monkey's monkey"? aaahhhhhaa. Plus prime vokdas. read more

This place rocks. Free popcorn, all beer in bottles.

Sat on a stool Friday night and had a blast. It's loud, with all kinds of people, young and old, all talking and no drama. The bartender was a sweet girl who takes care of her customers, and she recommended a great Alaskan brew. I like vibe of the place, it's small but just the perfect size where you'll bump into someone but they'll be goodhearted about it. Well, maybe that's because we're in Anchorage and not New York, but whatever. read more

Went here again to meet friends and remembered why I never really liked going. No atmosphere even for a small dive type place.

There are many reasons to go to a bar. If you're looking for a friendly, locally-owned, landmark bar that has more soul than the majority of Anchorage plasti-bars combined, then come here. Complete with free popcorn, and upholstered walls over the bar. For Outsiders who aren't aware, there's a no-smoking rule in Anchorage bars as well. This is a friendly, welcoming bar for a great night out. read more

A gal friend and I stopped in and expected a great time. We like notable dives and this place has some creds. But we ran into some messed up people. A Native American that was cut off by the bartender pleaded with us for some drinks in the back in the bar. My bad...I did, just one, and she left w/o issue. Then comes along some in-your-face 21-yr-old skanky sleaze who talked up a nice story, and again, we bought her a round. Meanwhile, my gal friend goes to the bar up front and gets seriously dissed by the bartender...something about being too buzzed to order any more drinks (believe me, she was fine). Then I went to the restroom, came out, and my $175 jacket was gone, as was the sleaze. She came back later with a smirk and when I mentioned being ripped off, she said to get over it. Obviously a set up. What a messed up, dopey place. read more

This is a great bar! The gals working the night we were there cut a table of drunks off with flare and determination showing an iron hand that only comes from years of experience. Young good looking crowd, 2 guys for every girl. I liked the bartender's backbone so much I tipped her grandiosely and she gave us some "darwin's" shwag when we left. I agree with Joe S., they are nice to out of towners but don't pay too much attention to you which I also like. They serve some strange signature "Darwin" drink I didn't quite catch on to but it involves cinnamon shnaps. Ask about it if you like that sort of thing. read more

This rating is in regards to the great bartender who noticed we were wandering around and inquired what we needed. When we told her that we were looking for a pool table she suggested, along with the regulars that were evesdropping, bars with pool close by that would be open on a Sunday. Her top suggestion came with a recommendation to say hello to the others bartender for her and directions on how to walk there. Being that we were from seattle I found this place a great dive and would have gone back to just hang out if I had had more time. I also noticed the regulars were drinking a lot of beer out of bottle- brands like alaska- were doesn't really happen at places like this at home. The bar had little space but came across as cozy. read more

Ditto to the Yelpers who wrote how charming, friendly, and fun Dawin's Theory is. When we were there, some Marines were drining their way through a bottle of a "Mystery Shot" liquor, just so they could find out which of them (if any) guessed what brand of booze it was. (No one did.) Intimate, not to say cramped seating; this place could get jammed in a hurry. That's ok - we're all friends here (or will be soon). Friendly barkeep who slings well-made drinks, as long as you don't get too fancy or froufrou. Keep your apple-tinis in the Lower 48. Smokers note that the smoking area is a bench in front of the bar, and that you can't bring your drink there, so it's not a real optimum setup. (Unless you are a rabid anti-smoker, and enjoy seeing them suffer, in which case it's fine.) read more

Darwin's is my place. I met Dalena (one of the bartenders) during my first month in Anchorage and starting going to Darwin's. There my bf and I got hooked into the local working class artists' community... especially in winter, Darwin's is the place people come after theater shows close, both audience and IATSE union workers. (Ask around and you can probably pick up a few hours of work with them once in a while - fun stuff and good people). I love the totally unpretentious crowd. Also, nobody has mentioned the free popcorn at Darwin's. I don't want to know what's in the butter concoction, but it tastes good! read more

Good selection of Alaska beers, and free popcorn! The cocktail waitress was attentive as well.

Amazing atmosphere and people all around every time I go in. Great service and prices also. Lay back with good people. Recommend it to anyone. read more

Best local dive bar we could have ever stumbled upon. Welcomed my boyfriend, myself, and our pup with open arms and cold beers. Highly recommend over the other bars which are tourist filled and remind me of home. We're in Alaska, aren't we? read more

I can't give Darwins a better rating because I always seem to arrive at the end of the night, leave later, after just a beer or two and wake up the next morning usually haven forgotten I stopped in for a beer. read more

Great little dive bar. We asked around for the best local bar and was directed to Darwin's. Juke boxes, strong drinks and feel at home vibe... awesome! read more

A great locals bar in Anchorage. I was welcomed in with open arms and a smile. I really like this place and will be back. What the atmosphere lacked, the staff more than made up for with their service and quick refills. read more

After seeing the strange Darwin's Theory advertisement in Alaska Airline on-board magazine month after month, I felt compelled to pop in for a few drinks while in Anchorage. Not what I expected -- small, cramp dive-bar packed with mostly locals (Friday @ 5 pm). The service was prompt, but the mixed drinks were less than par (canned beer only -- the Anchor mango summer beer is amazing). An entirely neutral experience. read more

The best bar in town. Cheap drinks and free popcorn. Also, the service is awesome.

Darwin's is great. Super funny gals tending bar, but they don't take no shit either. Jukebox has a great selection and I feel right comfortable drinking a nice stiffy singing my selections out loud. It's that kind of spot. I get a little claustro (because it's super tiny and personal space exists only in the bathroom) until the nice pours start taking effect and then just keep singing... read more

3rd stop for the night on our "poker run". I finally tried the redhot the shot they are famous for.. Cinnamon Shot with a hint of tabasco.. Tried a few of those.. and chased them down with a beer.. Not really my kind of place.. I'm local.. and my buddy recognized some of the ladies that he was sitting next to on the plane from washington I guess you could call it a mix of locals and tourists. Kinda smallish and crowded, the kind of place where its easy to strike up a little conversation in a place like this. Not a biker hangout or native bar.. If I was downtown I would visit it.. but its not somewhere I would go out of my way to go to. It does have Alaskan flavor to it.. read more

Friendliest bar in Anchorage, in my experienece, without being over the top or anything. Just accomodating. My girlfriend and I stumbled in one night, found a nice table, were served promptly and courteously. They checked up on us regularly. They actually seemed to give two shits. Maybe even three. Maybe it's, in part, because of how small it is. The close proximity forces a bit of intimacy. But, it seems like that's how they designed it. Awesome bar, I need to head back there again soon. read more

This place was recommended by our cab driver, and she pegged us pretty well. This is a happy cozy bar with lots of different types bonding over drinks. read more

Talk about dive bars... Real dirty but the people are really friendly!!!

Great local bar....can get kind of tight when a large crowd, but the bartenders are friendly and contrary to many local bars, they love people from out of town. Grab drinks here, if you are ever in ANC read more

Love this place. Great service, good beer selection, fun atmosphere. Stopped by with friends and were seated with a cold beer and popcorn in minutes. read more

Small Dive Bar!! Emphasis on the Dive! Ok on a weekday to people watch the weird crowd if you can get a seat. Not really any standing room! Only go on weekday if you just wanna sit and talk to friends and drink not good for much else. read more

First of all, no beers on tap. All beers are served in bottles or cans. You can get a glass, but the bartender will look at you as if you're crazy. Overall, it's a nice space with a mix of locals and tourists. The popcorn is a nice touch for free. I have had the worst service from bartenders I may have ever experienced here. They immediately made assumptions about me, and though I tried to apologize for any assumptions they may have had, they deliberately treated me poorly. The last time I had been here was two years prior, and I immediately realize why it had been so long since I had to come back. I will not return to this bar. I haven't given it a chance, and another chance after that, but the service here is deplorable. read more